Effective June 15, 2021, the Board of Pharmacy amended the following regulations: 

  • OAR 855-007 to allow pharmacists at immunizing clinics to supervise as many state-licensed immunizing interns as they determine will maintain public health and safety during a declared public health emergency. The rule is response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  
  • OAR 855-041 to remove the limit on epinephrine dispensed to an entity to allow maintenance of epinephrine at coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination locations.  
  • OAR 855-019, -021, -025 and -031 to incorporate cultural competency continuing education requirements for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns.  
  • OAR 855-020 to update the statewide drug therapy management protocols in the formulary and protocol compendia.  
  • OAR 855-001 and -041 to revise requirements for inspection of drug outlets, including performance by the Compliance Officer, and for pharmacy records.  
  • OAR 855-110 to revise the late fee expiration dates for licensees and registrants.  
  • OAR 855-080 to ensure clarity, transparency and promote patient safety related to controlled substances. 
  • OAR 855-006 and repeals regulations under OAR 855-050 to remove outdated restrictions on retail drug sales and make a confirming change to incorporate the definition of “prescription drug.”  
  • OAR 855-041 to clarify requirements for pharmacies related to Drug Take Back Programs.  

Also in Oregon, on June 15, 2021, Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed HB 2648, removing the existing prescription only requirement for purchases of pseudoephedrine (PSE) containing medications and instituting the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) in its place. As a result of this newly enacted law, Oregon becomes the 37th state to mandate the use of NPLEx, and no state will require a prescription for the purchase of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter product containing PSE. NACDS acknowledges the efforts of CHPA to support this repeal over the last several years. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.